St Patrick’s Day Tallaght 2019: Parade will showcase groups and local clubs
By Mary Dennehy
PREPARATIONS for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tallaght are being finely tuned, with two pipe bands signed up to perform - one of which is flying in from Scotland.
At 1.30pm on March 17, Tallaght Village will stage a parade, which will showcase and celebrate a diverse selection of local talent and the many clubs, groups and volunteers who together add to the vibrant tapestry of Tallaght life.
West Lothian Pipe Band from Scotland
After a decade-long break, the parade returned to Tallaght last year, and despite Baltic conditions thousands lined the streets to cheer on participants – and celebrate their hometown.
According to Sharon Byrne, organising committee secretary, the response this year has been bigger than last year – with more groups, volunteers and local businesses coming on board.
Two pipe bands have also been secured for the day, with the parade being opened up by former world champs and Tallaght-based troupe, the Laurence O’Toole pipe band – which is over 100 years old.
The West Lothian Pipe Band, which is flying over from Scotland, has also been confirmed, and are set to close the Tallaght parade.
It has also been revealed that Tallaght Person of the Year Gar Tyrell and Young Carer of the Year and Tallaght resident Shauna Tighe will lead the parade.
“We’ve had a bigger response than last year and local businesses have been so good, we couldn’t do it without them”, Sharon said.
“There’s a great buzz around the parade and we’re all really excited about what this year will bring.”
The closing date for entrants to the parade was last Thursday, February 28.
However, volunteers and businesses still have time to express their interest in being part of the community-led event.
The parade route will be the same as last year, and will leave TU Dublin – Tallaght campus (IT Tallaght), travel down the Old Blessington Road, along Main Street and take a left onto the Greenhills Road before returning to the college campus.
For further details or to make contact with the parade committee, visit the St Patrick’s Day Tallaght Parade 2019 Facebook page St Patrick’s Day Tallaght Parade 2019 Facebook page or email tallaghtparade.festival@gmail.com.
